7 Ways USAID Supports Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion
We’re delivering critical assistance to the government and people of Ukraine while preparing for the eventual post-war recovery
Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has created a grave humanitarian crisis and threatens decades of progress towards Ukraine’s independent and democratic future. More than 4 million people have fled the country, and nearly 7 million more have been internally displaced — numbers that continue to rise as Russia’s military targets homes, hospitals, and schools.
The United States has announced that it is prepared to provide more than $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and neighboring countries affected by the Russian Federation’s invasion. U.S. funding includes support to help the UN World Food Programme work to reach roughly 3.1 million people in Ukraine, funding for medical teams working on the ground, blankets and hygiene kits, and much more.
At the same time, we will not lose sight of the future while we meet the urgent needs of today. Instead, we are leveraging the decades we have spent investing in people, partners, and institutions, spanning all aspects of Ukrainian society, to make sure all is not lost to the Russian Federation’s senseless violence.
Here are seven examples of how USAID has quickly pivoted programs amid Putin’s war to continue to stand by the people and government of Ukraine.
1. Helping keep gas and electricity flowing to homes, hospitals, schools, and public institutions.
The Russian Federation’s military is targeting energy infrastructure in attempts to cut off access to heating and electricity. In response, with USAID support, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy and energy transmission operators are keeping supplies flowing and infrastructure operational. USAID is also working closely with energy transmission workers on the ground, using remote sensing to identify repair priorities, and supporting Ukraine’s successful emergency connection with Europe’s power system.
2. Providing critical medications and supporting essential health services.
Russia’s invasion has severely disrupted access to basic health care, including services for COVID-19, tuberculosis, HIV, and mental health. USAID is continuing to help Ukraine address the growing health crisis. With funding from The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID is procuring $6 million in antiretroviral drugs to ensure that 100,000 people living with HIV/AIDS continue to receive treatment. We are also helping Ukraine’s Ministry of Health adapt its supply chain to keep medicine flowing to frontline health workers and protect health information from cyberattacks.
3. Providing cybersecurity and communications support.
Ukraine is effectively responding to cyberattacks, a key weapon in Russia’s arsenal. Prior to the invasion, USAID helped Ukraine strengthen its cybersecurity system. Since then, USAID has continued to help government agencies repel attacks and swiftly repair systems after an attack has occurred. In addition, USAID has delivered more than 1,200 satellite phones and 190 satellite data terminals that allow government agencies and critical infrastructure operators to maintain secure and uninterrupted communications.
This week, USAID delivered 5,000 Starlink terminals to the Government of Ukraine procured through American aerospace manufacturer SpaceX. Starlinks are satellite internet terminals that will enable unlimited data connectivity from anywhere in Ukraine. These terminals will allow public officials and public service providers to continue to communicate within Ukraine and with the outside world amid the Kremlin’s invasion.
4. Providing shelter and supplies to Ukrainians displaced by the war.
Public services are strained with millions of Ukrainians forced to flee their homes amid Russia’s attacks. Much of the burden for emergency shelter and health care is falling on local governments. We are easing this burden by providing local governments with telecommunications equipment to help them keep channels of communication open and deliver emergency support to displaced Ukrainians, including shelter, food, and supplies. In western and central Ukraine, farther from the front lines, we have helped local governments to set up centers that provide sleeping places to 1,500 displaced Ukrainians.
5. Helping Ukrainians, and the world, access real information about the war.
The Kremlin is using disinformation as a weapon. With USAID support, the Government of Ukraine is monitoring key disinformation narratives and providing the Ukrainian people with accurate information about the situation on the ground through videos, articles, and infographics.
USAID is also supporting journalists as they risk their lives to ensure people have accurate information about the invasion. USAID has provided flak jackets and helmets to more than 100 journalists, helping them stay safe as they report from some of the country’s hardest-hit areas. We’re providing assistance to national and local media outlets, and we’ve helped establish a press center in Lviv. The country’s media sector continues to prove why it is so critical to Ukraine’s independent, democratic, and prosperous future.
6. Supporting the private sector.
In addition to the grave human cost, Putin’s invasion has disrupted Ukraine’s economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises provide employment to more than 60% of Ukraine’s workforce but have faced significant hardship due to the war. USAID is partnering with the Government of Ukraine to help businesses and workers relocate from the front lines so they can continue operating.
These small businesses are adapting to meet the needs of citizens during this time of crisis. Our support is helping them rapidly pivot to producing critical humanitarian items, such as non-perishable food, beds, chairs, and blankets. These items will be provided directly to centers for internally displaced people.
7. Monitoring and documenting human rights abuses.
Russia’s government and military have committed grave human rights abuses during the invasion of Ukraine. USAID is supporting a brave group of more than 50 human rights lawyers who are providing legal assistance to victims and monitoring and documenting these abuses, so the perpetrators can be held accountable.
USAID is committed to supporting Ukraine, both during the Kremlin’s invasion and in the long-term as the country recovers from the war. Putin’s aggression will not stop the Ukrainian people from securing an independent, democratic, and prosperous future.
About the Author
This post was prepared by the USAID Mission in Ukraine.
